Search: On August 13 at 9:38 p.m., DEC Central Dispatch received information from a caller stating that his neighbor had not returned from a hike. The neighbor, a 78-year-old male, planned to hike near Balsam Mountain, his exact route and destination unknown. Rangers were dispatched to check parking areas and trail registers at Balsam Mountain for evidence of the man's whereabouts. The subject's car was located by Rangers at the Rider Hollow Trail Head (Big Indian-Beaverkill Range Wilderness Area) at approximately 11 p.m. A subsequent search of the area located the man who was unable to move due to a leg injury he sustained while hiking. Rangers and local fire and EMS responders assessed the injury and packaged the hiker for a carry-out. He was transferred by ambulance to a local hospital for further medical treatment.

It was also reported that the man had left his route with his neighbor. This information was very helpful in finding him quickly.